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7,750 Auto And Taxi Drivers Fail Language Exam (Img: X)
New Delhi: Thousands of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra are facing another round of assessment after failing the state’s Marathi proficiency test. According to government data, around 7,750 drivers could not clear the language exam conducted as part of the state’s mandatory Marathi learning programme.
The Maharashtra government had set August 15, 2026, as the deadline for auto and taxi drivers to complete Marathi language certification. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has clarified that there will be no extension of the deadline.
Drivers who failed the Marathi proficiency exam will need to undergo additional learning sessions before appearing for the assessment again.
Officials said these training sessions are expected to be completed within the next one to two weeks, after which the drivers will get another opportunity to clear the test.
Apart from those who failed the exam, around 17,427 drivers could not complete their training before the deadline.
Mumbai has the highest number of pending cases with over 9,000 drivers yet to complete the process. Thane, Navi Mumbai and Palghar also have a significant number of drivers awaiting certification.
The language training programme received nearly 1.70 lakh applications across Maharashtra. So far, more than 1.40 lakh auto-rickshaw drivers have successfully completed training and passed the Marathi proficiency test.
The initiative was introduced after the state government made basic Marathi knowledge mandatory for autorickshaw and taxi drivers.
Under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, authorised drivers of motor cabs with electronic meters must have working knowledge of Marathi.
Drivers who fail to meet the requirement may receive a notice from licensing authorities and get time to improve their language skills. Continued non-compliance could lead to suspension of driving authorisation for up to three months.
The move aims to improve communication between drivers and passengers, though it has also sparked discussions around language requirements for transport workers in the state.
